Name:________________________________ Period:____________
Chapter 14 Reading Guide Western Civilization - 10th Ed. - Spielvogel
"Europe and the World: New Encounters, 1500-1800"
Answer the questions like you did for the Chapter 12 Study Guide. You do not need
complete sentences. You can either type your answer or print and hand write the answers
(recommended). This is not being turned in, but there may be a quiz!
FYI: Questions within a section may not be in order
On the Brink of a New World, pp. 400-403
1. Read the section in blue on pages 399-400 Who was Ferdinand Magellan? Who funded his voyage? What
happened to him? Why is he such a significant historical figure?
2. For centuries European contact with the outside world was limited to Northern Africa and Asia, what led
them to voyage into the Atlantic? When did they begin doing this?
3. In 1271, Marco Polo ventured to visit the Mongols in Eastern Asia. What happened in the 14th century
that stifled overland travels to the east from Europe?
4. What kinds of items did Europeans have high demand for that were supplied by the East?
5. What is religious zeal? Why were Spanish and Portuguese so interested in the business of crusades?
6. Who was Ptolemy? Why was the use of his invention by navigators somewhat ironic for the 15th
century?
7. Henry the Navigator?
8. Who was Hernan Cortes?
9. It is said the primary motives for European expansion were the "Three G's" - what are they?
A.
B.
C.
10. What are portolani, or portolan charts? What qualities did they have?
11. Describe some of the improvements to shipbuilding that allowed Europeans to venture across the seas?
New Horizons: The Portuguese and Spanish Empires, pp. 403-412
12. What kingdom was an early leader in navigation and expansion? Where did they set up their trading
posts? What kinds of items were they primarily interested in bringing back to Europe?
13. What were the accomplishments of the following:
Bartholomeu Dias?
Vasco da Gama?
14. What was the significance of Goa to the Portuguese? What about Malacca?
Goa
Malacca
15. What allowed the Portuguese to be so successful on the high seas?
16. Where did the Spanish set up their overseas colonies? Why? Who funded Columbus's voyage? Why?
17. Why did the New World come to be nicknamed "America"?
18. Spain and Portugal were competing in the New World. Where were their settlements located and what
did the Treaty of Tordesillas do?
19. Who were the Conquistadors , and what allowed them to excel in taking over new lands?
20. The Mayan civilization had already vanished by the time the Europeans arrived. However, the Aztecs
were thriving. Where were they located? How does Spielvogel describe them?
21. Did the Aztecs and the multiple dozens of other tribes in the New World get along with one another?
How did this affect European settlement?
22. What was the relationship between Montezuma and Cortes? How did that end?
23. Where were the Inca located as compared to the Aztecs? Who was their ruler? How many people made
up their empire?
24. What are some similarities between the Aztecs and the Inca? (hint, at least 4... )
A.
B.
C.
D.
25. Spielvogel described the administration of the New World as being exploitative, confusing, and one of
"misguided paternalism" What does he mean by this term?
26. What is the encomienda system? How was running the encomienda in the New World probably
different than if it were in Spain?
27. What group opposed the mistreatment of the Natives? Especially who can be attributed to ending the
encomienda system?
28. What replaced the encomienda system? How did it operate?
29. Explain the role of Smallpox in conquering the New World. Be specific.
The Impact of European Expansion, pp 423-426
30. Between Protestants and Catholics, which had the higher missionary drive? Why do you suppose so
many natives chose to convert to Christianity? What effects did this have on them?
31. Describe the missionary efforts in China and Japan. What religious order was most prominent there?
How "complete" were these conversions to Christianity by the Chinese and/or Japanese?
32. Fill in the chart on the Columbian Exchange. List as many things as you can (not just food, think
outside the box)
From Old World ---------> To New World From New World ---------> To Old World
33. Explain a few major ways that life in Europe (the Old World) changed as European expansion continued
over the 17th and 18th centuries? How did it affect the European mentality or their world view?
